Cavaliers look to take down high-powered Pacers offense
USA TODAY Sports’ Lorenzo Reyes breaks down the second-round matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers.
Sports Pulse
The 2025 NBA playoffs continue with Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers. The Pacers currently lead the series 2-0.
The Pacers staged a remarkable comeback in Game 2, winning 120-119 when Tyrese Haliburton made a last-second 3-pointer to sink the top-seeded Cavaliers. Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner each scored 23 points for Indiana.
Donovan Mitchell was nothing short of impressive in the Cavs’ loss. With stars Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter sidelined due to injury, Mitchell scored 48 points to go with five rebounds and nine assists.
As the series shifts to Indianapolis, the situation is dire for the Cavs. Here is how to watch Game 3.
The Pacers outscored the Cavs 34-31 in the quarter after Indiana showed signs of life with an 11-2 run during a two-minute stretch in the third quarter. The Cavs were able to gain some momentum after Myles Turner left the game briefly.
Turner went back to the locker room with close to six minutes left in the quarter after a potential foot injury. Turner returned just minutes later after having his ankle retaped.
The Cavs have led by as many as 24 points through the first three quarters of play. The Pacers have not led at any point during the game.
The Cavaliers outscored the Pacers 34-13 in the second quarter to take a comfortable lead into the locker room. Donovan Mitchell produced 17 points and five rebounds in the first half while Jarrett Allen and Max Strus finished with 13 points each.
Tyrese Haliburton went scoreless in the second quarter for the Pacers after scoring just two points in the first quarter.
The Pacers shot just 3-for-11 against the Cavaliers’ zone defense in the first half. All three shots came in the second quarter, according to ESPN.
It was a roller coaster first quarter in Indianapolis.
The Cavaliers sprinted out to an 11-0 lead and pushed it to 19-5, but Indiana slowly crawled back throughout the frame and tied it up with under 5 seconds to play on a Ben Sheppard 3-pointer.
Myles Turner has a game-high 12 points for Indiana, and Bennedict Mathurin added eight off the bench. Evan Mobley and Max Strus led Cleveland with eight points apiece in the first.
What time is Cavaliers vs. Pacers Game 3?
Game 3 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers will tip at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Friday, May 9.
How to watch Cavaliers vs. Pacers Game 3: TV, stream
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
Watch Cavaliers-Pacers Game 3 with Fubo
Cavaliers vs. Pacers NBA playoff schedule, results
(Pacers lead series, 2-0)
- Game 1: Pacers 121, Cavaliers 112
- Game 2: Pacers 120, Cavaliers 119
- Game 3: Cavaliers at Pacers | Friday, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo
- Game 4: Cavaliers at Pacers | Sunday, May 11 | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV, Max, Sling TV
- Game 5: Pacers at Cavaliers | Tuesday, May 13 | TBD | TNT, truTV, Max, Sling TV*
- Game 6: Cavaliers at Pacers | Thursday, May 15 | TBD | ESPN, Fubo*
- Game 7: Pacers at Cavaliers | Sunday, May 18 | TBD | TBD*
